Anoxic Brain Injury

Anoxic Brain Injury: Caring for victims and survivors

When oxygen supply to the head is cut off for more than a few minutes, then the cells begin to die. They do not regenerate and the resulting damage is permanent. It is known as cerebral hypoxia or Anoxic Brain Injury. The consequences are very serious and range from cognitive dysfunctions, paralysis, disabilities to coma, vegetative state or even death. The world changes drastically for victims and survivors, not doubt. However, even the friends, families and caregivers are also faced with a lot of uncertainty. This post hopes to answer certain questions that they might be having.

Important facts regarding this condition:

• Anoxic Brain Injury can be reversed to a very large extent if prompt and expert medical attention is provided. After initial efforts, whatever damage remains will be permanent.

• It can occur due to blood poisoning, stroke, asphyxiation or any number of conditions that block the oxygen supply to the head for longer than a few minutes.

• As far as management and rehabilitation is concerned, you have to first of all understand what will be the permanent status of the patient, what problems can be improved gradually, and what complications can occur if you are not vigilant.

• Make a detailed list of all these things and then work out with your doctor what is the best way to care for the patient in light of all this.

• Regular physiotherapy and checkups are a must. Many patients require round the clock care to ensure that they are not deteriorating.

• In such cases, it is wise to hire a professional nurse or caretaker who can be with the patient round the clock and supervision the management.

• Friends and families have to make substantial changes to their lifestyle, and many times even the house has to undergo some kind of remodeling.

• In such cases, the people close to the victim should join support groups and make efforts to become mentally strong enough to cope with the situation.

Anoxic Brain Injury needs to be handled delicately and with a lot of patience and perseverance. Get as much support as you can, from doctors, counselors, help groups and make efforts to learn how you can make the world once again a happy place for the victims.